The Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc is an important and meaningful ceremony for the local people. The festival is an opportunity for the people to express their gratitude to the Lord Fish and pray for a year of favorable weather, prosperity, and happiness.
1 About the Nghinh Ong Festival
Origin of the Nghinh Ong Festival
The Nghinh Ong Festival is one of the largest festivals in Phu Quoc. This festival is also known as the “Procession of the Lord Fish,” “Offering to the Lord Fish,” “Fishing Prayer Ceremony,” “Marine Procession,” “Nghinh Ong Festival,” and “Thuy Tuong Worship Ceremony.”
The Lord Fish is considered a sacred creature in the coastal area, protecting the fishermen who go fishing far offshore. According to ancient legends, the Lord Fish often appears to rescue fishing boats in bad weather and storms.
It is known that the tradition of worshiping the Lord Fish originated from the Champa ethnic group. Thanks to the cultural exchange and the belief in the Lord Fish, it has become an important belief of the Vietnamese and Chinese people.
The Nghinh Ong Festival is one of the largest festivals in Phu Quoc
Meaning of the Nghinh Ong Festival
The Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc takes place on the 15th and 16th day of the 8th lunar month every year. It is a way for the fishermen to show their gratitude and respect to the Lord Fish. The festival is a significant event for the fishing village, with the intention of praying for favorable weather, calm waves, and abundant catch, as well as wishing for good health and a happy life.
2 Rituals of the Nghinh Ong Festival
On the first day, the fishermen will hold a vegetarian offering ceremony and a salt offering ceremony to the Lord Nghinh Ong. The required offerings include 3 live pigs and a tray of fruits.
The procession is a sacred and solemn ceremony. This ritual reenacts the descent of the Southern Maritime General into the dragon boat and heading out to the sea. The people and fishermen of Phu Quoc will place offerings on the coasts, with incense smoke filling the air.
In addition to the dragon boat carrying the General, there are hundreds of large and small boats beautifully decorated with colorful flags to accompany the dragon boat to welcome the Lord Nghinh Ong. This ritual is held solemnly with the participation of the majority of the island residents.
After the procession, there is a ritual that is equally solemn, with the participation of many fishermen. In this part, there are activities such as praying for peace, building a large pavilion, and performing classical opera, all taking place at the Shrine of the Southern Maritime General.
Rituals of the Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc
3 Exciting Activities in the Festival of the Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc
In addition to the rituals, the festival also features lively and attractive activities that attract the attention of the fishermen and tourists. Here, people can participate in traditional and exciting games: classical opera singing, boat racing, duck catching, crab tying, etc.
Exciting activities in the festival of the Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc
4 Tips for Attending the Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc
- Before participating in the Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc, you should gather detailed information about the date, location, and regulations of the festival to fully experience it.
- You should dress politely and comfortably, and prepare a hat and a jacket.
- Respect the cultural values of the festival, behave gently and respectfully.
- Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful moments of the festival.
Tips for attending the Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc
Above are some information about the Nghinh Ong Festival in Phu Quoc. If you have the opportunity to travel here, don’t miss the chance to explore this unique festival!
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